Nella was beside her, and Giovanni's wife, and further in, at a
respectful distance, the serving-people, for the master's departure was
an event of importance.
The gondola pushed off when Beroviero had disappeared under the 'felse'
with a final wave of the hand. Zorzi stood still, looking after his
master, and Marietta came forward to the doorstep and pretended to watch
the gondola also. Zorzi was the first to turn, and their eyes met. He
had not expected to see her still there, and he started a little.
Giovanni looked at him coldly.
"You had better go to your work," he said in a sour tone. "I suppose my
father has told you what to do."
The young artist flushed, but answered quietly enough.
"I am going to my work," he said. "I need no urging."
Before he put on his cap, he bent his head to Marietta; then he passed
on towards the bridge.
"That fellow is growing insolent," said Giovanni to his sister, but he
was careful that Zorzi should not hear the words. "I think I shall
advise our father to turn him out."
Marietta looked at her brother with something like contempt.
"Since when has our father consulted you, or taken your advice?" she
asked.
"I presume he takes yours," retorted Giovanni, regretting that he could
not instantly find a sharper answer, for he was not quick-witted though
he was suspicious.
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